Program Director, Central African Republic

Cordaid believes in a world without poverty and exclusion. We strive for a just and sustainable society where every person counts. We stand for knowledge and talent sharing between North and South, between farmers and businesses, between activists and policymakers. Where poverty, conflict and exclusion divide societies, we connect people and communities. We stand for professionalism, expertise and solidarity across borders. We make a difference where it is most needed.

Together with more than 800 organizations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America we structurally improve the living conditions of the poorest and most excluded populations - the bottom billion. We do that where natural disasters strike, where conflicts tear up communities and where underdevelopment keeps families in extreme poverty. In the Netherlands we are known as Cordaid Memisa, Cordaid Mensen in Nood, Cordaid Kinderstem, Cordaid Bond zonder Naam and Cordaid Microkrediet.

Introduction

Cordaid has 30 years of experience in the Central African Republic, working with civil society partners and the Catholic Church on emergency relief, long term development and resilience programs. In 2008 Cordaid decided to become operational itself in CAR, and opened offices in the provinces (Nana Mamberé) as well as in Bangui to carry out health programs through the performance based financing approach. The health program gradually expanded and was fledged out by activities in the field of Education, Security and Justice, Relief and Food Security. The office was temporarily suspended in 2013 and still encounters shorter term stoppages dues to a periodically worsening security situation. In northern parts of the country relief operations are still necessary, whereas in other parts a shift can be made to longer term development. Donors (EU, Dutch Government, World Bank, UN agencies) now make larger funds available to enable flexible operations. Cordaid is known as a reputable partner and stands to attract significant donor funding. Cordaid CAR employs about 80 staff in the Country.

Position and responsibility

The Program Director is responsible for realization of Country Office Program targets. He/she will be supervised by the Country Director in CAR and reports directly to him. He/she supervises the Program Managers and the Project management Unit managers.

Specific objectives

Network Representation

Creates partner relationships with local authorities and with strategic partner organizations working in the same field as CORDAID with the purpose to achieve the program results.

Program Strategy

In collaboration with the Country Director and the Program Managers determines the general program strategies within the integrated country strategy (ICS) and its multi-annual plan, ensuring synergy between the different program units.

Fundraising

Is responsible for the fundraising strategy, regular checks on open tenders and other potential opportunities in Country, and supports the program managers in identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.

Program Management

Supervises project and program development, eventually proposing adjustments to the organizational structure and tasks of the staff, thus ensuring program quality and effectiveness.

Civil Society and partner strengthening

Support the capacity building of partners ensuring that they themselves can manage their organizations, programs, finances, and are capable to lobby and advocate.

Planning and reporting

Ensure the timely implementation of projects, find solutions for eventual deviations, monitor the results, and assure quality reports according to the donor standards.

Human Resources Management

Manage staff under his/her supervision according to the culture, policies, and procedures of Cordaid, ensuring the productivity, perspectives and satisfaction of these staffs.

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge on academic level of relevant subjects (social development, public health, entrepreneurship, governance, gender);
• At least ten years experience as a manger in he field of international development;
• Proven knowledge of the development cooperation, program management, logical frameworks, requierements of major donors (EU, UN, Bilateral Donors);
• Social skills in managing intercultural and inter gender teams in difficult conditions;
• Writing skills to clearly formulate strategy proposals including expected impact;
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the Cordaid program and the security policy;
• Working knowledge of French.

Specifics of station

The Program Director will be based in Bangui, in the Cordaid CAR main office. He/she will travel regularly to partner organisations in identified regions in CAR. The safety and security situation in CAR remains volatile, but is constantly monitored by Cordaid and appropriate policies are in place. This is a non-accompanied posting.

Contract information

The contract period is for 6 months starting as soon as possible, with the intention to extend for a longer period. We offer a Cordaid contract with a competitive salary and a benefit package which includes R&R, a comprehensive insurance cover, social security and pension contribution and a holiday allowance.